tips on 4 handle scales?

T

tfinch

Joined
Jan 9, 2009
Messages
32
This is really humiliating to admit, but I got the tkc handle scales set today for the 4, and I can't do the installation. I have two of the correct hex key, but even tightening the screws from both sides one generally won't engage the threads. It's been a long three hours of fussing and sweating over it, and now my back hurts too bad from stooping over the workbench to continue. At one point I managed to get two of the screw sets in and tightened but the scales weren't lined up right and I had to start over. I'm thinking I may have to search around for someone better than me to hire out to do the job for me, or else try to cord wrap my 4 cause I can't get the stock scales back on either. :o
 
I just got mine today. After looking at the barrels, I realized that one was shorter than the other two. So, I figured that one would go in the last hole, nearest the lanyard hole.
I got it all put together, putting the original scales in the new bags, then I noticed the sticker on the bag of hardware...

NOTE: ONE BARREL IS SHORTER, PUT @ END.
 
Hm, I luckily spotted the sticker before I got started. I think I'm just so clumsy I'm not going to be able to do it. I've managed to get the top and bottom sets in and tightened but the scales are visibly misaligned a hairs width or so and the center screws won't engage because there's too much of a gap. Same deal when I try to get the stock scales back on.
 
An update, I managed to get the factory scales back on. Tried the tkc ones on my other 4 and it worked first go. Just one of those weird things I guess. The trick ended up being putting the blade in a vise and clamping the scales in place with a big c clamp while getting the hardware in order. Now I'm going to have a drink, to victory :thumbup:
 
I made sure not to tighten any of the screws very much, till I got them all in place. Then I slowly snugged them down as I continued to align the scales.
How did your's fit, look, and feel once you got them on?

One of my new scales was cut too much at the hilt. I can see light through the gap, at least 1/4" in from the hilt, and the entire height of the scale/tang.
I'm trying to decide if I need to exchange them.

Anybody else finding their new scales aren't machined flat enough against the tang?
 
foxx said:
I made sure not to tighten any of the screws very much, till I got them all in place. Then I slowly snugged them down as I continued to align the scales.
How did your's fit, look, and feel once you got them on?

One of my new scales was cut too much at the hilt. I can see light through the gap, at least 1/4" in from the hilt, and the entire height of the scale/tang.
I'm trying to decide if I need to exchange them.

Anybody else finding their new scales aren't machined flat enough against the tang?
Click to expand...

Mine fit incredibly well.


The trick to the installation is to only start one screw into the barrel about a full turn of the thread. If you crank one screw all the way into the barrel the second screw WILL NOT engage the thread. Tighten evenly and scales will self-align.

:thumbup:
 
tfinch said:
An update, I managed to get the factory scales back on. Tried the tkc ones on my other 4 and it worked first go. Just one of those weird things I guess. The trick ended up being putting the blade in a vise and clamping the scales in place with a big c clamp while getting the hardware in order. Now I'm going to have a drink, to victory :thumbup:
Click to expand...

pics or it didnt happen :D
 
well i was thinking about ordering a set but if they arent machined correctly then i dont know if i want a set or not.
 
tfinch said:
Hm, I luckily spotted the sticker before I got started. I think I'm just so clumsy I'm not going to be able to do it. I've managed to get the top and bottom sets in and tightened but the scales are visibly misaligned a hairs width or so and the center screws won't engage because there's too much of a gap. Same deal when I try to get the stock scales back on.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what is going on here but send them back & I will take a look at them & replace them if necessary.

These are checked very closely & we have not had any problems.

As stated on the sticker with the hardware, the shortest threaded bushing goes in the rear hole. If you put the shortest threaded bushing in one of the other holes, it will not tighten up.

There are a few things to hold in order to get everything together.

Here are some tips: 1. Start a screw (1 or two threads) in each of the threaded bushings before inserting the threaded bushing into the holes. 2. Start with the center hole. 3. Leave all of them loose until everything is initially lined up properly, then snug up, make final line up adjustments & then tighten.

I hope this helps!
 
tilman777 said:
well i was thinking about ordering a set but if they arent machined correctly then i dont know if i want a set or not.
Click to expand...

You have no worries as the handles are a proven design concept. We have had no problems but as with anything else humans make, mistakes can happen & if one should, I will stand behind my product 110%.
 
tfinch said:
This is really humiliating to admit, but I got the tkc handle scales set today for the 4, and I can't do the installation. I have two of the correct hex key, but even tightening the screws from both sides one generally won't engage the threads. It's been a long three hours of fussing and sweating over it, and now my back hurts too bad from stooping over the workbench to continue. At one point I managed to get two of the screw sets in and tightened but the scales weren't lined up right and I had to start over. I'm thinking I may have to search around for someone better than me to hire out to do the job for me, or else try to cord wrap my 4 cause I can't get the stock scales back on either. :o
Click to expand...

It would be easier to determine the best course of action if you would contact me direct by phone.
 
I wish I had checked back a little sooner, as it seems I have unintentionally sent entirely the wrong message. There is absolutely no problem with these scales, the only problem was my lack of manual inclination which is now worked out. After trying ESEERATFAN 's suggestion I am able to make the swap consistently on either knife now in fact. I'm very sorry to Dale that I seem to have given the impression that there was something wrong with the product, that was not my intention at all. I realize it was a mistake to come to the forums instead of asking for advice by phone, again my appologies and I am including some pictures, poor photographer than I am that will show all that these are top notch and without any defect.

IMG_0401.jpg

IMG_0403.jpg


By the way, I had a chance to use the knife a little at work, and the scales are very comfortable, I will not hesitate to order a second set in the future for my other 4 when I have the discretionary spending cash at hand.

Sincerely hoping this post clears up the misunderstanding and with my appologies to all
-Jay
 
No problem Jay. Thanks for the explanation & for the apology. I was concerned about having you satisfied & the possibility that something had slipped by us during production.

Enjoy your ESEE knives & the custom handle!
 
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